Security evident, but welcome along route

Monday

Apr 21, 2014 at 10:18 PMApr 21, 2014 at 11:39 PM

From Staff Reports

Many spectators watching the Boston Marathon on Monday said the extra security was noticeable and, although it made them feel safer, it changed the feeling of the yearly race.In Hopkinton, the new security measures were readily apparent, as hundreds of local and state police and federal agents stood on streets, on rooftops, and in back alleys."(Iíve seen) ATF, Secret Service, every cop in the state, FBI, NYPD K-9," said Claudia Toussaint, who was watching the race a few hundred yards from her home on Hayden Rowe Street. "I was blown away."There was also a confusing maze of barricades lining the course that, in some spectatorsí opinions, made for a frustrating time trying to get around."It was just weird," said Hopkinton resident Chrissy Stone, who was watching from atop a stonewall behind one of the fences. "Itís upsetting to the kids Ė we just want to watch. You canít go anywhere."Most people were patient, however, when it came to getting through the numerous checkpoints set up around the starting line area and even at the spectator parking lot at Hopkinton State Park.The heavy police presence didnít seem to bother the runners, although Phil Dervan, an Englishman now living in Stratham, N.H., noted it was a much different scene from the last two Boston Marathons he ran."Thereís a lot more security, for sure," the 52-year-old said. "I havenít seen it like this before. Youíd see police, state police, but you didnít see Army in combat gear."On Boylston Street in Boston, bomb-sniffing dogs patrolled the area, while other officers watched from buildings near the finish line. Siobhan Haskins, 29, a Boston Athletic Association race marshal, said there were more spectators this year but it appeared everyone understood the need and was OK with the extra security."People are very easy going," she said. "Theyíre happy to come back."Newtownville resident Jack Porter, who has watched the Marathon for 35 years in Newton, was upset with the heightened security."Theyíre taking the fun away," he said. "You canít get close enough to the runners with these barriers and there are no more bandits. Itís a peopleís marathon and all of this stuff takes the joy out of it. I hope next year they tone it down. The state government and the mayor, theyíre going overboard."Others said the security made them feel safe about attending race."I definitely feel well-protected," said Gayle Sprague of Westborough, who was watching the runners in Natick. "Iím not concerned something is going to happen."As Blackhawk helicopters flew over Rte. 135 just after the elite wheelchair racers passed through Natick, Framinghamís Norma Kramer said she was comforted by them being there."The flyover just now and the police presence made me feel really good," said Kramer. "Itís very secure."In Framingham, Kansas City resident Caleb Champ said he appreciated a Framingham Police officer on bicycle patrol coming by to inspect his backpack."I figured it was coming so I welcome this and the friendliness of it," Champ said.Law enforcement officials said the race went smoothlyFramingham Deputy Police Chief Ron Brandolini said there were "just minor issues" during the race, from a few medical calls to suspicious people who checked out OK.Natick Police Chief James Hicks said the crowds were larger than last year, but there were no serious incidents. He said police assisted on a couple of medical calls and helped reunite a young child with his family, but Hicks said such calls are normal with large crowds.Hopkinton Police Chief Edward Lee, who was at the start line, said he was happy how things went."Things went off without a hitch," he said. "It was a great day. A lot of people had a good time out here. People got the message as far as prohibited items. We had no issues at any security checkpoints."Along with local police departments, state police and the National Guard, officers from other states assisted along the Boston Marathon course. There were officers from Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and New York assisting with security.As the winners approached, helicopters circled overhead and what appeared to be law enforcement could be seen on the top of nearby buildings.Daily News Staff writers Lindsay Corcoran, Brian Benson, John Phelps, Zach Comeau, Danielle Ameden, Jeff Malachoski, James Morrison, Trevor Jones, Scott OíConnell and Brad Petrishen contributed to this report.

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